On March 13, 1960, the Chicago White Sox unveil an important uniform innovation. Much to the chagrin of other owners and most of his players. The White Sox’ road uniforms feature players’ names on the backs of the jerseys, in an exhibition game against Cincinnati in Tampa marking the first time that players’ names will appear on major league uniforms.
The innovation will make it easier for fans watching games on television to identify the players on the field. The idea is yet another creation of colorful White Sox owner Bill Veeck. After the rest of the league’s clubs protest the Chicago owner’s innovation, the commissioner’s office will rule that in addition to displaying traditional numbers, each team will have the option to use monikered uniforms.
